Israeli forces are intensely attacking Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, with the city of Rafah being portrayed as Hamas’ last stronghold. Israel has expanded its limited operation in Rafah, causing around 300,000 people to flee and drawing warnings from Egypt. The rest of the territory remains vulnerable to Hamas, as Israel has not provided a detailed plan for postwar governance, maintaining open-ended security control over the area. With no functioning government in place, public order has broken down and Hamas has been able to regroup.
The war in Gaza started when Hamas and other militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages being taken. Currently, about 100 captives remain in Hamas’ custody, while over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive. The Israeli military has been targeting areas like the Jabaliya refugee camp and Zeitoun, where heavy bombardment has caused widespread devastation and a full-blown famine. Israel has been criticized for causing civilian casualties, with the military targeting areas multiple times.
Military forces are engaged in battling Palestinian militants in various parts of the Gaza Strip, including Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun near the northern border with Israel. There have been calls for tens of thousands of people to relocate from these heavily bombed areas to safer locations. The operation in Rafah has forced 300,000 people to flee, with most seeking refuge in nearby cities like Khan Younis and Mawasi, where living conditions are already squalid. The United Nations has warned that a full-scale invasion of Rafah could severely impact humanitarian operations and lead to a surge in civilian deaths.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with Egypt lodging protests over the offensive, which has jeopardized its peace treaty with Israel. The U.S. has expressed concerns over Israel’s actions in Rafah, stating that there is evidence of breaches of international law protecting civilians. Israel denies these allegations, attributing civilian casualties to Hamas militants fighting in residential areas. The ongoing conflict has led to tensions between the allies involved in mediating a cease-fire and hostage release, with little progress being made. The lack of a functioning government in Gaza has allowed Hamas to gain strength and control in the aftermath of the war.
